Every day we encounter diverse news from all over the world. Through diverse digital media, push messages and so on, news reaches us around the clock. Unfortunately, it is often about crises, war and negative news – Weltschmerz seems to be omnipresent. The feeling of being at the mercy of this and feeling incapable or powerless to change anything can weigh on us and cause fears and worries about the future. But what exactly are Weltschmerz and fear of the future? What can we do for ourselves to find a better way to deal with the negative news in world affairs? These are some of the questions we want to address.
WELTSCHMERZ
The term Weltschmerz was coined by Jean Paul (German writer) and describes a feeling of sadness and melancholy about one’s own inadequacy, also in relation to the world and existing conditions. The feeling of having no control or ability to change something about a (stressful) situation is often accompanied by resignation, pessimism or even an escape from reality. So we feel sadness and compassion and at the same time we also feel helpless, “powerless” and shaken by negative news. Although an escape or distraction from the issues seems helpful for the first moment in order to not have to deal with the arising feelings and thoughts any more, sooner or later worries and fears become present again. This perceived Weltschmerz and the constant flow of negative news can accordingly trigger or exacerbate fears about the future.
FEAR OF THE FUTURE
Normally, we all have a certain need for control and above all for security. However, incoming negative news causes great uncertainty, insecurity and fear of unwanted changes. This can be frightening and we wonder what is to happen next and how we are supposed to be optimistic about the future when “everything” seems so bad and hopeless? Ruminating, imagining worst-case scenarios and the perceived helplessness can make us live less in the present, our sleep quality suffers or even cause heart palpitations and panic attacks. Therefore, it is important to find a better way to deal with Weltschmerz and accompanying fears about the future. Here are a few tips on how to do that.
FINDING A HEALTHY WAY TO DEAL WITH IT
Of course, it is not possible to completely isolate ourselves from the daily news. Therefore, it is more a matter of how and to what extent we consume the news and react to it.
Limiting consumption and sources of information
Instead of trying not to engage with the news and keeping it away from us, it is helpful to consume it consciously or, for example, to use only certain, credible channels, portals, etc. The first step can therefore be to limit our consumption of the news and the extent to which we react to it. A first step can therefore be to switch off push messages. This way, we have control over when we read or listen to the news and don’t get a notification all the time or at inopportune moments. In addition, it can be helpful to schedule a certain time in the day to deal with the news. However, this also means to inform ourselves exclusively in this time window. If we ourselves have a bad day and feel we can’t handle the news, it’s also perfectly okay to take a “day-off”.
Be active
Negative news often makes us feel inadequate and helpless. Of course, we cannot save the world on our own, but it can be good for us to integrate small things into our everyday life that show us: “I can help and make a difference”. For example, we can donate, demonstrate peacefully, go to the polls, get socially involved or even make our own everyday life (environmentally) conscious.
Acceptance and exchange
Even though we may wish it so much, we cannot directly change some situations ourselves. Constant inner resistance and dissatisfaction are also exhausting in the long run and do us no good. This does not mean that we have to “agree” with a situation, but that we come to terms with it for ourselves and accept that we have done our best, for example, with the possibilities described above. It can also be helpful not to remain alone with your own thoughts or fears and to talk about them with friends or family.
Seek help
If you notice that your fears and worries are getting out of hand, you should not be afraid to seek professional help.